Trinity Endoscopy employs new tool

New equipment can monitor esophageal function, pressure

April 12, 2014

STEUBENVILLE - New equipment at the Trinity Endoscopy Center on Sinclair Avenue is making it easier for Dr. Himanshu Desai and Dr. Basel Termanini to diagnose gastrointestinal problems with more accuracy than ever before.

The ManoScan ESO esophageal manometry test is used to assess pressure and motor function of the esophagus, or the "food pipe" used to swallow. It shows how well the muscles in the esophagus are working when they transport foods and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. It can be used to help pinpoint the causes of gastric reflux, heartburn, difficulty swallowing and functional chest pain.

The machine works by inserting a catheter lined with more than 30 sensors down the esophagus, where it stays for about 20 minutes to monitor any movement. The patient then takes a drink of water, and the motion appears on a screen coded by color, with red representing high pressure spots and blue representing relaxed muscles.

According to Desai, 25 percent of people suffer from gastrointestinal disorders, but most go untreated because of the taboo nature of the problems, which include symptoms such as fecal leakage. Many patients endure poor nutrition trying to avoid certain foods when the problem actually may originate with something else.

"No one likes to talk about it, but the statistics show that a huge number of people go through this. Even doctors don't like to talk about it," Desai said. "We have the resources here to help them improve their quality of life. These disorders cause misery and make a normal workday much more difficult."

Along with the new equipment, Desai and Teramanini now have a full lab at their disposal. Tests which used to be outsourced and performed elsewhere can be completed right at the Steubenville location at a faster pace.

"We're always on the lookout for the next wave of technology. We try to stay up to date," Teramanini said.